Break the Pattern: Make Tonight a Media Fast

Taking a night away from media (tv, social media, internet, etc) has long been a part of the Cure, and an assignment which meets with some resistance each time. (It always comes as a little bit of a surprise to me - I just assume you all will just be thrilled that I'm not asking you to clean anything!) But, I get it - I'm crossing a line into your "me" time in a different way with this. Regardless, I hope you'll forgive my intrusion and consider giving it a go. Here's why: this month is about breaking patterns and setting up new habits that make it easier to take good care of your home, and by extension, yourself....and, I think you'll actually enjoy it!

Your home a space where you can retreat from the outside world and focus on what is important, joyful, healthful and centering for you. Making that retreat just a bit more intentional - a little quieter and deeper than the usual - for one night can be eye-opening. Your assignment today is to

Today's Assignment:

Give a media fast a try. It's simple in concept but can be tough in the execution. This evening (or whenever your main block of "home time" is) take a break from television, computer, tablet and cell or smart phone.

Part of the takeaway of doing the Cure is having the experience of spending time in our homes in different ways, which helps us to find new ways to enjoy it. This media fast will shake up the routine a bit and give you a rare break from the energy of the outside world finding its way into your private space.

Maxwell explains one of the perks of there exercise well in the Eight Step Home Cure: "As you experience your home time without the usual sights and sounds to listen to, pay attention to how you feel. While you may find it uncomfortable and unfamiliar at first, you will inevitably find yourself with time that is unfilled and now yours to spend in new ways."

If you have an idea of how you plan to spend your time, let us know in the comments. I also hope everyone will circle back around to this post again tomorrow (tonight even Apartment Therapy is off limits!) and let us know what you did and how you feel about your retreat evening - good luck and enjoy!